Vietnam Helicopter Corporation Orders Three Airbus H225s to Support Offshore Energy Expansion

On April 7, 2026, the Vietnam Helicopter Corporation (VNH) announced a significant fleet modernization effort, placing an order for three Airbus H225 heavy twin-engine helicopters. According to an official press release from Airbus, the aircraft will be operated by VNH’s subsidiaries, Southern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH South) and Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company (VNH North). The acquisition is aimed at supporting the continued expansion of Vietnam’s offshore energy operations and progressively replacing older aircraft in the operator’s fleet.

This transaction reinforces a long-standing relationship between VNH and Airbus Helicopters that spans more than four decades. The new H225s will integrate into VNH’s existing Airbus fleet, which currently includes older Super Puma variants and H155 helicopters. The newly ordered aircraft will be deployed across a variety of mission profiles, including offshore energy transport, utility missions, search and rescue (SAR), and broader transport operations.

The announcement also marks one of the first major commercial milestones for Airbus Helicopters under its new leadership. Matthieu Louvot officially assumed the role of CEO on April 1, 2026, succeeding Bruno Even, according to industry background data.

Modernizing Vietnam’s Offshore Fleet

VNH, a state-owned enterprise established in 1979 under the Vietnam Ministry of National Defense, has been a pioneer in aviation transport for the country’s oil and gas industry since 1983. Industry research notes that VNH currently operates a fleet of approximately 28 to 30 aircraft and has serviced over 50 domestic and international energy companies, including Vietsovpetro, Shell, BP, and Premier Oil.

The H225 Capabilities and Safety Enhancements

The Airbus H225 is the latest and most advanced iteration of the Super Puma family. According to the Airbus press release, there are currently more than 360 H225 and military H225M helicopters in service globally, having accumulated over one million flight hours. The aircraft is specifically designed for high payload, long overwater flights, and all-weather dispatch.

Industry specifications highlight the H225’s capacity to carry up to 19 passengers and two crew members, with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of approximately 11,160 kg to 11,200 kg. Its maximum external sling load capacity of up to 5,000 kg makes it highly capable for lifting heavy utility equipment. Furthermore, the aircraft offers a range of approximately 452 nautical miles without auxiliary tanks.

Offshore flying presents notorious hazards due to unpredictable weather and a lack of visual references over water. To mitigate these risks, the H225 features state-of-the-art avionics. Research data indicates the aircraft is equipped with a 4-axis autopilot, flight envelope protection, and an “automatic rig approach” system. This technology guides the helicopter to the decision point even in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions, significantly reducing pilot workload and enhancing safety for offshore workers.

“The H225 has proven itself time and again across our offshore missions, delivering the reliability, performance, and safety we expect. As we look ahead, we see the H225 forming the backbone of our future fleet, allowing us to modernise our operations while expanding capacity and mission flexibility.”
, Kieu Dang Hung, CEO of VNH (via Airbus press release)

Strategic Alignment with Vietnam’s Energy Goals

The demand for heavy-lift and crew-transport helicopters in Vietnam is surging, driven largely by the country’s shifting energy policies and ambitious infrastructure goals.

The PDP8 Catalyst

According to industry research, the Vietnamese government approved a major revision to the National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) in April 2025. This revised plan drastically increased the country’s offshore wind capacity targets from an initial 6,000 MW to up to 17,032 MW by the 2030–2035 timeframe, with a long-term vision of reaching up to 139 GW by 2050.

Developing these massive offshore wind farms, alongside maintaining existing deep-water oil and gas rigs, requires robust logistical support. Helicopters like the H225 are critical infrastructure assets for transporting technicians, conducting routine maintenance, and providing emergency medical evacuation (medevac) in challenging maritime environments.

A Milestone for New Airbus Leadership

The VNH order is a notable early success for Matthieu Louvot, who took over as CEO of Airbus Helicopters just a week prior to this announcement. Louvot, who previously served as Airbus’ Executive Vice President of Strategy, emphasized the importance of the enduring partnership with the Vietnamese operator.

“We are honoured to continue supporting VNH and its subsidiaries as they strengthen and revitalise their fleet. Their decision to centre future operations around the H225 underscores the aircraft’s exceptional reliability and performance in demanding offshore environments. Our enduring partnership with VNH is built on trust and shared commitment to mission success, and we look forward to supporting their growth for many decades to come.”
, Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters (via Airbus press release)

AirPro News analysis

We view this acquisition as a critical indicator of how national energy transitions directly stimulate the specialized aviation sector. Vietnam’s aggressive push into offshore wind energy under the revised PDP8 necessitates a parallel investment in maritime logistics. By selecting the H225, VNH is not merely replacing aging airframes; it is actively scaling its operational capabilities to meet the heavy-lift and high-capacity demands of offshore wind farm construction and maintenance.

Furthermore, for Airbus Helicopters, securing this order under the newly appointed CEO Matthieu Louvot signals stability and continued market dominance in the Asia-Pacific heavy helicopter segment. While the exact contract value remains undisclosed, industry estimates place the base price of a new H225 at roughly $29.5 million, making this a substantial capital investment by VNH and a strong vote of confidence in the Super Puma family’s automated safety features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Airbus H225?
The H225 is a heavy twin-engine helicopter from the Super Puma family, designed by Airbus Helicopters. It is widely used for offshore passenger transport, search and rescue, and utility missions due to its high payload capacity and advanced autopilot systems.

Why is VNH expanding its fleet?
VNH is modernizing its fleet to replace aging aircraft and to support Vietnam’s growing offshore energy sector. This includes traditional oil and gas operations as well as the country’s rapidly expanding offshore wind energy projects outlined in the revised Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8).

How many H225 helicopters are currently in service?
According to Airbus, there are more than 360 H225 and military H225M helicopters in service around the world, totaling over one million flight hours.

Sources

• Airbus Press Release